Product Development Specialist

3M; Maplewood (MN); On-site; USD 146,000 - 178,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

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Job summary

3M is seeking a Product Development Specialist in Maplewood, MN. You will collaborate with global teams to tackle complex optical mechanical challenges and drive innovation through advanced modeling and experimental validation.

Responsibilities include leading mechanical modeling on adhesives and thin films, coordinating tests, and guiding material performance analyses for system improvements. On-site role with opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science or engineering completed before start.
• Five years of mechanical modeling and applied mechanics experience.

Responsibilities

• Contribute and coordinate complex technical projects developing new optical mechanical solutions.
• Lead mechanical modeling efforts to understand adhesive and thin film mechanics in optical system product development.
• Engage with key customers to understand technical challenges and communicate results.
• Coordinate test method development and laboratory experiments to validate materials performance.

Skills

Bachelor degree

Mechanical modeling

Applied mechanics

Cross-functional

Adhesive modeling

Interfacial failures

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in science or engineering

Tools

FEM

Job description

Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World

Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it’s equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a wide variety of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.

This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.

The Impact You’ll Make in this Role

As a Product Development Specialist, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by:

• Contributing and coordinating complex technical projects developing new optical mechanical solutions
• Leading mechanical modeling efforts to develop fundamental understanding of adhesive and thin film mechanics in optical system product development
• Engaging with Key Customers to understand technical challenges, identify techniques to develop first principle theoretical models to enhance understanding, and clearly communicating research results
• Coordinating test method development and laboratory experiments team to validate materials performance in system models
• Providing technical guidance to materials developers on critical materials performance characteristics and how they impact system performance
• Generating intellectual property positions, including invention submissions, patents, and 3M trade secrets

Your Skills and Expertise

To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:

• Bachelor´s degree or higher (completed and verified prior to start) in a science or engineering discipline
• Five (5) years of experience in mechanical modeling and applied mechanics in a private, public, government or military environment

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:

• Master's degree or higher in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Material Science
• Demonstrated experience successfully developing and analyzing mechanical models using a range of technologies and techniques
• Experience leading and collaborating with cross functional teams
• Experience working with adhesive and/or soft materials modeling exploring interfacial failures and fracture mechanics
• Experience working with mechanical stresses and how they influence optical system performance
• Experience providing material targets to provide optimal performance in a mechanical model
• Excellent aptitude in mechanical fundamentals
• Self-starter with strong interpersonal, influencing and communication skills (oral, written and presentation)
• Results driven and self-motivated, with a growth mindset
• Excellent multi-tasking, team building and organizational skills

Work location:

• This role has on-site working model, with the employee working at least four days a week in the office at 3M Center, located in Maplewood, MN.

Travel: May include up to 15 % domestic/international

Relocation Assistance: May be authorized

3M offers many programs to help you live your best life – both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.

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For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting.

Applicable to US Applicants Only: The expected compensation range for this position is $145,676 - $178,049, which includes base pay plus variable incentive pay, if eligible. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience. In addition, this position may be eligible for a range of benefits (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Accounts, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences and Retirement Benefits, etc.). Additional information is available at: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/.

Good Faith Posting Date Range 09/21/2026 To 10/21/2026 Or until filled

All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.

Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.

Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.

Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.

Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/

3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.

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